We’re heading north for a bit. I’m bringing these five books with me:

The Book: The Summer Book by Tove Jansson

Why? I am a Moomin fan and this book by Moomin creator Tove Jansson just keeps popping up during my internet wanderings as one worth checking out. It’s about a girl spending a summer living at her grandmother’s island house. Very important – I like the season and my reading material to be in agreement whenever possible.

The Book: The Dam Keeper by Robert Kondo and Dice Tsutsumi

Why? I’m a sucker for a good cinematic graphic novel. And this one has actual ties to cinema – it’s based on the Oscar-nominated short film of the same name. Just got a starred review at PW too.

The Book: Two Piano Tuners by M.B. Goffstein

Why? I’m a Goffstein fan (an appreciation that began with her Caldecott honor Fish for Supper) and I haven’t read this one yet.

Unrelated, But It Doesn’t Hurt: the book has a cool case cover:

The Book: Solo by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess

Why? I usually stick to a strict Only One YA Book a Year regimen (and I already read the fantastic The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas). But when it’s a Newbery winner who’s work I dig, I’m willing to bump up to a Okay, Two YA Books a Year regimen.

The Book: Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker by Shelley Johannes

Why? Because if I have a wheelhouse (other than picture books) it’s funny illustrated chapter books.